JDRF and Lilly take diabetes education to secondary schools

The partnership will use a new resource to teach students about type 1 diabetes

UK-based type 1 diabetes charity, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has partnered with Lilly in order to help support secondary school students with type 1 diabetes.

The initiative, which complements the Department of Education guidance Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings, uses a new education resource called Talking T1 – Teens with type 1 diabetes.

Developed by the charity, the resource pack features an online video that captures the lives of two 14-year-olds living with the condition; a school information guide; curriculum-linked discussion and activity sheets; student information cards; and online CPD training slides and notes.

“We are aiming to educate the educators to raise awareness and understanding of type 1 diabetes and provide school staff with a practical tool to support the needs of young people with type 1 in schools,” said Karen Addington CEO of JDRF.

“There are currently 29,000 children across the country living with type 1 and the peak age for diagnosis is between 10-14 years.

“Unfortunately, more and more children are being diagnosed each year, so it is vital that people are aware of the condition.

“Children spend nearly as much time at school as they do at home, so helping schools prepare so that the condition can be effectively managed in the classroom is really important. I ask every school to order its free pack and begin 'Talking T1'.”

The development of the secondary school pack follows a similar initiative for primary schools, which was launched last year.

Ian Dane, senior director at Lilly Diabetes said: “Lilly Diabetes is extremely proud to be able to work with JDRF on this vital project for children with type 1 diabetes.

“We believe each person affected by diabetes is an individual and we have made understanding and supporting their personal journeys our highest priority.

“School life is an incredibly formative experience for young people so it's vital that children with type 1 have the confidence and opportunity to excel in whatever they do. We believe the JDRF 'Talking T1' schools programme will have a significant impact in achieving our shared goal,” he said.

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